Morenci Turquoise

Morenci turquoise was recovered as a by-product of one of Arizona's great copper operations, near the town of Morenci in Greenlee County. Through the middle of the twentieth century it was widely used by Navajo and Zuni silversmiths, who prized its vivid blue and distinctive sparkle.

As the copper mine expanded, the turquoise source was lost, and authentic Morenci became a stone collectors actively seek in vintage pieces.

Morenci's clear blue and pyrite flash made it a favorite for cluster work and inlay, where its brightness stands out against silver. It appears throughout mid-century Navajo and Zuni jewelry now valued as old pawn.

It carries the protective significance shared by all Southwestern turquoise.

Morenci's signature is a clean, high-blue stone shot through with pyrite — natural "fool's gold" — that forms a sparkling, silver-toned matrix unlike any other mine. Because much Morenci was found in thin seams, cabochons were often backed for strength.

Even color and bright pyrite webbing mark the most desirable material.